[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/studentcallers08.jpg” caption=”Student callers Poitr Bruszewski and Kaitlyn Kinsella keep alumni informed of McMaster’s events, services and accomplishments. Photo by Alexx Miller. “]Imagine a job that allows you to talk on the phone for your entire shift and then rewards you for your hard work. Alumni Advancement's student callers enjoy such a privilege, but the role isn't all frivolous gabbing. Student callers inform McMaster's alumni on services and events, and update them on the University's accomplishments.

“We update alumni on what's happening at the University,” says Kaitlyn Kinsella, a fourth year history student. “Once grads leave, it can be difficult for them to stay in touch with their alma mater. We make it easier for them by making a friendly phone call.”

Kinsella joined the student caller program in her first year at McMaster after seeing a sign asking, “Do you like to talk?” Although she was unsure of what the job required, Kinsella was certain of one thing – she had the gift of the gab.

“We talk to all kinds of people. One of my favourite aspects of the job is hearing the memories of older alumni. They share past stories about Mac and speak about their personal experiences.”

On top of catching up with alumni, student callers solicit appeals to alumni for financial support. Their fundraising efforts help to bridge the gap between tuition fees and government grants, and the actual costs of providing a distinctive McMaster education.

“At the end of a shift callers can go home knowing that they have helped a fellow student,” says Development Officer Natraj Ramachandran who runs the student caller program. “The phone program may only be a small portion of the fundraising efforts at Mac, but we do much more than just raise money. Most people say that 'we are small but mighty' because the phone program engages over 50 thousand alumni each year.”

These students raise funds for financial aid, undergraduate job opportunities, undergraduate lab equipment and funds for student-centered activities designed to enhance the McMaster experience.

“This job is a bit nerve-wracking at first because you're calling strangers,” says Poitr Bruszewski, a second year French and philosophy student, who's worked as a student caller since May 2008. “However, we receive really friendly reception from the people we call. They're genuinely interested in our lives at McMaster – one alumnus even gave me career advice!”

Fifty to 60 student callers work at McMaster's Phone Centre, located in downtown Hamilton, with approximately 20 workers per shift. There are various incentives to encourage students with their fundraising, including friendly competitions during shifts and a year-long game that has students earning Monopoly money to buy gift certificates as a reward for a job well-done.

“There's no complaint about the grind of work. We are encouraged to work as a team and I've made many friends. There's a sense of camaraderie at the Centre as we work towards the common goal of equipping McMaster to be the best,” says Bruszewski.